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Illustrative Note on IEPF Compliances
Category: COMPLIANCES, Posted on: 04/04/2026
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The Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) framework under the Companies Act, 2013 mandates companies to ensure timely transfer of unpaid dividends and corresponding shares to the IEPF Authority. These provisions are primarily governed by Sections 123, 124, 125 and the IEPF Rules, 2016. This note provides an illustrative timeline of key compliance requirements starting from declaration of dividend up to eventual transfer to IEPF, along with ongoing reporting and claim processing obligations.

Illustrative Note on IEPF Compliances
S. No. Particulars Section Reference Due-Date Remarks
1 Declaration of Final Dividend at the Annual General Meeting 123 X Dividend stands declared upon approval by members at AGM.
2 Transfer of Gross Dividend Amount to "Company Dividend Account - 2025-26" 123(4) X+5 Transfer gross amount (inclusive of TDS) to a separate bank account opened specifically for dividend.
3 Payment of Dividend to all eligibile shareholders fo the Company 127 X+30 Dividend to be dispatched/credited to shareholders whose names appear as on record date/book closure.
4 Change in name of the Bank account to "Company Unpaid Dividend Account - 2025-26" or Transfer to Unpaid Account 124 X+37 Within 7 days after expiry of 30 days from declaration, transfer unpaid amount to a separate Unpaid Dividend Account.
5 FY 2032-33 - IEPF-1- Transfer of Dividend amount to IEPFA, in respect of shares lying in "Company Unpaid Dividend Account - 2025-26" Rule 5 of IEPF Rules, 2016 X+ 37+ 7 years + 30 days Amount remaining unpaid for 7 consecutive years to be transferred to IEPF.
6 FY 2032-33 - IEPF-4 - Transfer of Equity Shares to IEPFA, for shares whose dividend remains unclaimed for a period of 7 consecutive years Rule 6(3) of IEPF Rules, 2016 X+ 37+ 7 years + 30 days Shares in respect of which dividend remains unclaimed for 7 consecutive years to be transferred to IEPF. Prior newspaper advertisement (3 months before transfer) and individual notice to shareholders required. Corporate action to be executed for demat transfer.
7 IEPF-2 - Filing of Annual Statement of unpaid Dividend Rule 5(8) of IEPF Rules, 2016 Within 60 days from the conclusion of AGM Annual filing based on RTA data, detailing amounts transferred to Unpaid Dividend Account and amounts remaining unpaid.
8 IEPF-1 - Transfer of Dividend declared on shares already transferred to IEPF Rule 5 of IEPF Rules, 2016 Within 30 days from the date of declaration of Interim/ Final Dividend Where shares have already been transferred to IEPF, any subsequent Interim or Final Dividend declared on such shares shall also be remitted to IEPF. Applicable for all future dividend declarations post transfer of shares.
9 Filing of Form IEPF-3 (Statement of Shares and Unclaimed Dividend not transferred to IEPF) Within 30 days of end of financial year To be filed where shares and/or dividend amounts are not transferred to IEPF due to court/tribunal order
10 The Company may receive Claims from Equity Shareholders for reclaiming their Shares and Dividend from IEPFA. The Company shall verify and process these claims Rule 7 of IEPF Rules, 2016 Within 30 days from the receipt of claim from shareholders The Company shall designate a Nodal Officer for IEPF for processing IEPF E-Verification reports in respect of these Claims with the support of RTA

IEPF compliance is a continuous lifecycle obligation beginning with dividend declaration and extending up to shareholder claim settlements. A structured compliance mechanism, supported by proper documentation and timelines, is essential to ensure regulatory adherence and avoid penal consequences.


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